The Chopsticks Series: Connection of Life

Width × Height: 12 × 9 in (30.5 × 22.9 cm)
Year: 2012
Material: Acrylic on Canvas
Frame: No Frame Included
Description: This series of 12 x 9 inch works was previously exhibited at the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles. It is a visual tribute to companionship and the vibrant energy of renewal.
The creation process is a blend of traditional and contemporary methods. The base features ink on delicate rice paper (화선지). I applied the vibrant green hue directly to the paper to express the raw vitality (생동감) and force of Spring. The paper was then carefully adhered to the canvas using a natural tapioca starch mixture, binding the tradition of sumukhwa to a modern support.
The recurring form of the chopsticks transcends mere utility. They symbolize the deep cultural connection inherent in sharing life and meals in Korean tradition, representing lifelong companionship. The abstract trajectory formed by the chopsticks suggests the enduring bond of relationships that weave through complexity, guiding and sustaining one another on the journey of life.